You know those dance circles that make you go to the centre to do your thing and sometimes even battle it out? I hate them. I have always hated them. What am I supposed to do? All along I thought we were just vibing and having a good time, but all of a sudden I feel an intense pressure to prove that I am indeed a dancer, and a good one for that matter. Of course once you put me on the spot like that, I can barely even fathom the concept of movement, but the show must go on, right? Welcome to post number 12!
Freestyle dancing is a concept of dance that was started in the 70s and took place mostly in the streets. It was created to be a space for dancers to express themselves outside of the structured classical styles taught in dance institutions. Dancers used this opportunity to find their unique identity... their personal style. Sounds like a good thing right? Then why does it feel awkward and intimidating 99% of the time?
The truth is, we have been born into an industry that is so accustomed to comparison, that even a space built to explore and express now seems unsafe. Unsafe to try something new, unsafe to make mistakes, unsafe to explore within moments of stuckness. This space has now turned into one of competition and comparison, which changes the goal from finding and exploring your unique identity to winning a title...so basically survival of the fittest.
In as much as I dislike the dance circle, funny enough, I incorporate it in my classes. I try my best to make it a safe space for my students to explore and enjoy themselves. I constantly tell them to feel no pressure to go into the centre, and I encourage those that make the bold step to feel no pressure to have elaborate dance moves, but to simply move to the beat. Sometimes the entire class participates and sometimes just a few of the students do, but overall they know that there's a safe space whenever they are ready.
Imagine if the dance circle can go back to being the space it was originally meant to be? I think that we would have more confident dancers with a lot more diversity, more creative expression and less animosity between each other. What a wonderful world it would be for dancers. What a wonderful world it can be for dancers.
Keep creating & sharing!
~ Your dancer friend
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